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US-born game developer sentenced to death in Iran

Amir Mizra Hekmati, a game developer who worked on a number of war-themed …

After a trip to visit family in Iran last August, an Iranian-American citizen was arrested for and convicted of espionage and has since been sentenced to death. A former US Marine born in Flagstaff, Arizona, Amir Mizra Hekmati now has 20 days to appeal the verdict or the decision will be final. His family has since hired a lawyer with experience in negotiating with the government of Iran, and he is currently attempting to meet with Iranian officials.

Hemkati's crime? Developing a video game critical of Iran.

As reported by Gamasutra, Hekmati is accused of creating games designed to influence public opinion on US operations in the Middle East, and specifically Iran. Hekmati worked as a developer at Kuma Games, which has released a number of free, war-themed first-person shooters including Kuma/War, which features both real-world and plausibly fictional scenarios.

One episode in the game, dubbed "Assault on Iran," has players infiltrate an Iranian nuclear facility in order to find physical proof that Iran is producing nuclear weapons. Other episodes include "The Fall of Sirte," in which players engage in the battle that culminated in Muammar Gaddafi's death, and "The Death of Osama Bin Laden."

Assault on Iran

A confession in which Hekmati admits to the accusations was aired on Iranian television and also published in the Tehran Times.

"After (working for DARPA), I went to Kuma (Games Company)," the confession read in part. "This computer company was receiving money from the CIA to (produce) and design and distribute for free special movies and games with the aim of manipulating public opinion in the Middle East. The goal of the company in question was to convince the people of Iran and the people of the entire world that whatever the U.S. does in other countries is a good measure."

Hekmati's family has released a statement on the website FreeAmir.com, denying the accusations of spying and explaining that legal representatives are attempting to contact the Iranian government to "find a solution to this misunderstanding."

"The Iranian authorities are denying that Amir is a United States citizen, despite the fact he was born in Flagstaff, Arizona," Hekmati's parents said in a statement released yesterday. "Amir did not engage in any acts of spying, or 'fighting against God,' as the convicting judge has claimed in his sentence. Amir is not a criminal. His very life is being exploited for political gain."

According to Hekmati's lawyer, Pierre Prosper, who previously served as ambassador-at-large for war crimes issues under the Bush administration, Hekmati's trial took place a few months after his initial arrest, lasted only half a day, and a verdict was handed down just a few weeks later. "We also are troubled by the fact there's been no transparency," he told CNN, "so it is really hard to see what happened."

The US State Department has denied that Hekmati was a CIA spy and has urged the Iranian government to release him "without delay."

169 Reader Comments

On every other website I've seen this story on, the comments immediately veered into America-bashing. I would like to preemptively point out that, yes, we do have Guantanamo Bay, and no, we don't put foreign game developers there. That said, I hope we can get a quick and happy resolution to this story.

Unfortunately, for this man, he has become an unwitting pawn in a massive international dispute regarding the Straits of Hormuz. Domestic problems within Iran compounds his situation where the radical cronies of the Ayatollah are desperately seeking legitimacy to their existing power structure and trying to quell opposition. Then you got disputes with regards to nuclear sovereignty and being excluded out of the international economy.

On every other website I've seen this story on, the comments immediately veered into America-bashing. I would like to preemptively point out that, yes, we do have Guantanamo Bay, and no, we don't put foreign game developers there. That said, I hope we can get a quick and happy resolution to this story.

I hope the Iranian government gets burned for this. No matter how stupid the US is, Iran and many other countries are much more retarded.

On every other website I've seen this story on, the comments immediately veered into America-bashing. I would like to preemptively point out that, yes, we do have Guantanamo Bay, and no, we don't put foreign game developers there. That said, I hope we can get a quick and happy resolution to this story.

Even if he is a spy, they should let him go. Can the author say for certainty that he is not a spy as he does in the article? Have you looked at documents detailing and confirming his wherabouts for the past few years?If Iran is TEH EBIL ENEMY why make a video game about killing Iranians and travel there?In any case, they should let him go, like they did the "hikers".

On every other website I've seen this story on, the comments immediately veered into America-bashing. I would like to preemptively point out that, yes, we do have Guantanamo Bay, and no, we don't put foreign game developers there. That said, I hope we can get a quick and happy resolution to this story.

So, your defense of Gitmo is that we don't use it as liberally as Iran? You realize it's exactly this attitude that causes those comments immediately veer into America-bashing, yes?

As for me, I want to see it closed so we can point to its non-existence as the difference between America and repressive regimes elsewhere.

How the hell did they veer into America bashing when this story is about Iran holding someone? I also don't recall the US executing someone for being critical of the government. Injure, sure (Occupy movements), but kill a foriegn citizen?

I hope they won't execute him. Ideally, Ahmadinejad will suddenly swoop in out of nowhere and give him a "presidential pardon", or the court will suddenly "acquit" him of all charges before sending him home. I really hope they're just rattling the political sabre with the US rather than being hell-bent on being out to get him. They probably realise that going through with the execution of a US citizen is unlikely to help their diplomatic negotiating position.

Ok, so the guy is an American citizen and is (you never stop being) a Marine. Shouldn't this be elevated to full-on presidential pressure to release this man?

I smell political posturing and deal-making all over this. Grr.

WTH man!

I agree! The man fought for this country, right or wrong, he is an american veteran. Come on US GOV! How about an op. Jeronimo to retrieve this poor guy from the hands of these ass-backwards psychopaths who run Iran!

Even if he is a spy, they should let him go. Can the author say for certainty that he is not a spy as he does in the article? Have you looked at documents detailing and confirming his wherabouts for the past few years?If Iran is TEH EBIL ENEMY why make a video game about killing Iranians and travel there?In any case, they should let him go, like they did the "hikers".

wow, it is amazing how the comments section of any article on the internet can be turned into a cesspool of anti american rants. some of the comments above make youtube posters look like intellectual giants.

What on earth does EBIL even mean? Its like these nutjobs and apologists have a language of their own.

He was accused of far more than simply working for a critical video games company. This is a pretty myopic take on an already well-publicised issue. I really do expect better than a laser-like focus on a tangentially-relevant point, Ars.

Hekmati is a dual citizen of the United States and Iran, but Tehran does not recognize dual citizens, considering them to be only Iranian citizens.

damn that sucks.

Technically I don't think the US recognizes dual citizenship either. My kids are dual citizens but I know if they ever get arrested in the US they won't be able to play the "but we're really British" card.

Obviously Iran is trying to get some concessions out of it. They will parade him around, with the US TV networks touting his Marine service. Public pressure will build up. Romney, Gingrich, and the bunch will make a big deal out of how they will send the seals in and rescue him or some nonsense like that. Eventually, some deal will be struck behind closed door and Hekmati will be release because of Iranian 'compassion'. (Probably around late summer or early fall, so Obama can welcome him on the tarmac at an AFB somewhere for the campaigning photo op.) Too bad they didn't still have those fishermen they rescued from the Somali pirate boat in custody. Who knows if they weren't 'spying'?

Guys, the first sentence of the article is:After a trip to visit family in Iran last August, an Iranian-American citizen was arrested for and convicted of espionage and has since been sentenced to death.

Seems to me that they explained why he was there right away. He was visiting family.

He was accused of far more than simply working for a critical video games company. This is a pretty myopic take on an already well-publicised issue. I really do expect better than a laser-like focus on a tangentially-relevant point, Ars.

And you can go to other websites for more information on that. Surprisingly, this is the first article I've read on the subject that mentions he was a game developer.

Even if he is a spy, they should let him go. Can the author say for certainty that he is not a spy as he does in the article? Have you looked at documents detailing and confirming his wherabouts for the past few years?If Iran is TEH EBIL ENEMY why make a video game about killing Iranians and travel there?In any case, they should let him go, like they did the "hikers".

wow, it is amazing how the comments section of any article on the internet can be turned into a cesspool of anti american rants. some of the comments above make youtube posters look like intellectual giants.

What on earth does EBIL even mean? Its like these nutjobs and apologists have a language of their own.

I <3 America. FWIW, I am married to an American (who loves her country very much) and hope to become an American citizen eventually. (no sarcasm). But, I understand why the Iranians are doing the things they are -shrug-. If that makes my comment an anti-american rant in your view so be it. EBIL http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=ebil Anyway, way to address any questions raised in my post.

Hekmati is a dual citizen of the United States and Iran, but Tehran does not recognize dual citizens, considering them to be only Iranian citizens.

damn that sucks.

Technically I don't think the US recognizes dual citizenship either. My kids are dual citizens but I know if they ever get arrested in the US they won't be able to play the "but we're really British" card.

However, dual nationals owe allegiance to both the United States and the foreign country. They are required to obey the laws of both countries. Either country has the right to enforce its laws, particularly if the person later travels there.

On every other website I've seen this story on, the comments immediately veered into America-bashing. I would like to preemptively point out that, yes, we do have Guantanamo Bay, and no, we don't put foreign game developers there. That said, I hope we can get a quick and happy resolution to this story.

So, your defense of Gitmo is that we don't use it as liberally as Iran? You realize it's exactly this attitude that causes those comments immediately veer into America-bashing, yes?

As for me, I want to see it closed so we can point to its non-existence as the difference between America and repressive regimes elsewhere.

That wasn't a defense of Gitmo, that was passing reference to Gitmo. It was a preemptive attempt to keep some fool from saying "Well the US does the same thing!" by pointing out the difference between Amir (dual citizen, game developer, visiting his family) and Guantanamo residents (alleged militants, generally people who've been captured either firing on US troops or in the vicinity of such action). Guantanamo might be a stain on our reputation, but it's nothing compared to the stuff like this that Iran routinely pulls.

EDIT: According to CNN, the court found Amir "caught red-handed in armed struggle against God." Sounds legit.

Hekmati is a dual citizen of the United States and Iran, but Tehran does not recognize dual citizens, considering them to be only Iranian citizens.

damn that sucks.

Technically I don't think the US recognizes dual citizenship either. My kids are dual citizens but I know if they ever get arrested in the US they won't be able to play the "but we're really British" card.

Im pretty sure he US recognizes the fact that they are dual citizens, but they would still have to pay the price for commiting the crime.

Likewise im sure england wouldn care that your american if you did something wrong.

I just think that sucks that they say no he is not an american citizen, so they are technically aking away the idea that we have a right to say something.

Even if he is a spy, they should let him go. Can the author say for certainty that he is not a spy as he does in the article? Have you looked at documents detailing and confirming his wherabouts for the past few years?If Iran is TEH EBIL ENEMY why make a video game about killing Iranians and travel there?In any case, they should let him go, like they did the "hikers".

wow, it is amazing how the comments section of any article on the internet can be turned into a cesspool of anti american rants. some of the comments above make youtube posters look like intellectual giants.

What on earth does EBIL even mean? Its like these nutjobs and apologists have a language of their own.

I <3 America. FWIW, I am married to an American (who loves her country very much) and hope to become an American citizen eventually. (no sarcasm). But, I understand why the Iranians are doing the things they are -shrug-. If that makes my comment an anti-american rant in your view so be it. EBIL http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=ebil Anyway, way to address any questions raised in my post.

looking at the definition you provided (urban dictionary no less) you say that the US (and this guy) considers iran to be cutely evil? you say that and then ask why i dont take your troll post seriously?

I am totally disgusted. Not surprised, but disgusted... What did this guy ever do to deserve death? The world cannot evolve until ass-backwards regimes such as these are wiped-out.

United States has also executed people for treason. Not to justify anything. But rather just putting this situation in perspective. Should the United State's regime have been "wiped-out" as well?

It is always useful to keep these things in perspective. Imagine it from Iran's view point. The United States invaded and occupied the country to your west AND to your east. The United State's president then called your country the "axis of evil". The United States is widely alleged to have sabotaged nuclear facilities in Iran... etc.

This doesn't mean Iran is justified. I don't think the guy should be executed. But it does show that you wouldn't have to be too irrational to react in a similar matter. Iranians have some very justifiable concerns.

What the world needs is appeals for peace, not for wiping-out entire regimes!

He was accused of far more than simply working for a critical video games company. This is a pretty myopic take on an already well-publicised issue. I really do expect better than a laser-like focus on a tangentially-relevant point, Ars.

And you can go to other websites for more information on that. Surprisingly, this is the first article I've read on the subject that mentions he was a game developer.

Probably because it isn't a particularly important part of the accusation. This is pretty much the equivalent of finding out that a spree killer had played DOOM and making that the story.

e: Looking at it further, the article's not even internally consistent. It establishes that his only crime was to develop this video game, and then:

Quote:

Hekmati's family has released a statement on the website FreeAmir.com, denying the accusations of spying and explaining that legal representatives are attempting to contact the Iranian government to "find a solution to this misunderstanding."

That's the first that the accusation of spying is even mentioned. Eight paragraphs to get to the accusation which actually saw him sentenced to death. It'd be totally reasonable - as evidenced by every other comment in this thread - to believe that the only crime of which he was accused was to develop this game, based on the article.